inhabitants talked in such riddles, but I said, as politely as I could:

"I am sure I need not wait to get to the ship to be pleased. I am
delighted to see you and your companions here."

While we were returning to the vessel I gave Thorwald, for such I found to
be his name, a brief account of our journey on the moon and of my
mysterious arrival on their planet. I expatiated on the merits of the
doctor, and told Thorwald that he was probably still on the moon or else
at the bottom of their ocean.

I was thinking that Thorwald did not show much sympathy with me, when, our
boat having nearly reached the ship's side, I looked up and saw the doctor
himself standing on the deck, a pigmy among giants. I was soon by his
side, and we embraced before our new-found friends without a blush.

"Where's Mona?" were the first words he said.

"Mona!" I replied. "Who's Mona?"

"Who's Mona?" he returned. "Well, you have recovered pretty rapidly."

I now discovered that, although I had found the body of my friend, the
best part of him was missing. In the fall from the moon he had evidently
lost his wits. I thought I would not let him know too suddenly what was
the matter, and so I merely said:

"Yes, I went into the water, but was not much hurt. When I came to my
senses I found myself in our car still. Tell me how you escaped."